Integrated management of greenhouse cucumber and capsicum diseases.

Len Tesoriero, Plant Pathologist, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle.

Len Tesoriero.

This project aims to update our knowledge on the major diseases affecting greenhouse cucumbers and capsicums, and to evaluate the economic viability and the environmental sustainability of various management strategies.

Surveying crops, and validating and collating disease records from each production region.

Testing the efficacy of ‘biorational’ chemicals (e.g. bicarbonates, oils and soluble silicates).

Generating efficacy data for certain fungicides, based on natural fungal and bacterial metabolites, to assist industry to extend the registration of these fungicides.

Assessing biocontrol products in commercial trials, and generating data on their compatibility with other disease management options.

Comparing the disease tolerance or disease resistance of available cultivars.